On Wednesday, the Royal Guard horses Vida and Trojan caused a dramatic spectacle as they ran scared through the streets of London. Both horses are in serious condition and have undergone surgery, with Vida hospitalized in an equine hospital after the operation. Defense Minister James Cartlidge confirmed that three horses are fine, but two are in relatively serious condition following the incident.
During their escape, the horses were frightened by the sound of construction materials dropped by a worker at a construction site in Belgravia. The horses, including Vida, Quaker, Trojan, and Tennyson, ran through the streets of London, causing chaos as they dodged traffic and almost collided with cyclists and a motorcyclist at a traffic light. Quaker even crashed into a tour bus and broke the windshield.
Four soldiers were thrown from their mounts and hospitalized with injuries, but they were expected to make a full recovery. The horses were eventually captured in Limehouse, 8 kilometers from where they escaped, and returned to Hyde Park barracks. The incident was described as exceptionally rare by the defense minister, and he assured the public that there were no serious injuries to the public.
The horses had been training for an upcoming military parade and the traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony when the incident occurred. Despite the dramatic nature of the spectacle, Lt. Col. Matt Woodward emphasized that the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ensures the highest standards of care for their horses. The horses not requiring surgery are expected to return to duty in due course.
Lt. Col. Matt Woodward also mentioned that the unit exercises about 150 horses in the streets and parks every morning to desensitize them to city noise. The impact of the construction materials caused the horses to bolt and knock down some riders, but he emphasized that incidents like this are extremely rare. The horses are currently receiving care from veterinarians at the Hyde Park barracks to ensure their recovery.